Pressure sensor

ABSTRACT

Pressure gauge preferably arranged to function on the outside of a measuring element ( 1 ), the measuring element having a central cavity ( 103 ) and being constituted by at least two parts ( 100 A-B) which are tightly joined for creation of the cavity, and comprising sensor organs ( 11 - 14 ) for the mechanical state of stress of the measuring element during pressure influence. The two parts of the measuring element ( 100 A-B) are manufactured in planar techniques, preferably by silicon or quarts with the cavity running in the longitudinal direction. The central cavity has a considerably greater height than width. The sensor organs ( 11 - 14 ) have form of piezo-resistive elements arranged near an outer ( 105 ) eventually inner surface of the measuring element.

[0001] The present invention concerns pressure sensors manufactured in planar techniques. Especially the invention concerns a pressure gauge preferably arranged to function on the outside of a measuring element. The measuring element has a central cavity running in the longitudinal direction of the measuring element which is composed of at least two parts which are tightly joined for creation of the cavity. Piezo-resistive elements are used to register the mechanical state of stress of the measuring element during pressure influence.

BACKGROUND

[0002] A pressure gauge consists in principle of a spring element (measuring element) and a measuring or sensor organ. Common commercially available pressure gauges based on silicon technology may use membranes as spring element, provided with piezo-resistive resistors as sensor organs. Such membrane sensors have a typical size of 3 mm×4 mm. Spring elements like membranes are disadvantageous for high pressures because such elements are susceptible for effects related to re-straining to a substrate with transition to materials with different modules of elasticity. The tension detected on such membranes will be a combination of pressure and tensile stresses. If the tensile stress becomes adequately high, breakage may occur. At large deformations the stress in the membrane will not be linearly dependent of the pressure, providing a non-linear signal.

[0003] The closest prior art in this connection is described in Norwegian Patent NO 304 328 describing a pressure gauge particularly for very high pressures. The measuring principle that is used is described in the book “Instrumenteringsteknikk” by Ole A. Solheim, Tapir forlag Trondheim 1966, and uses piezo-resistive elements arranged on the outside of the measuring element for detecting tensile stress appearing in the measuring element. The two parts of the measuring element are manufactured in planar techniques, preferably of silicon or quarts, and have a considerably greater length than transverse dimension, with the cavity running in the longitudinal direction. The pressure gauge is however especially suitable for measuring very high pressures.

[0004] The present invention represents a further development of the sensor described in the Norwegian Patent NO 304 328 to lower pressure ranges.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] In a first aspect the invention concerns a pressure gauge preferably arranged to function on the outside of a measuring element having a central cavity running in the longitudinal direction of the measuring element and consisting of at least two parts, manufactured in planar techniques and preferably of silicon or quarts, and which are tightly joined for creation of the cavity, and comprising sensing devices in the form of piezo-resistive elements for the mechanical state of stress for the measuring element during pressure influence. The pressure sensor is characterized in that the central cavity has a considerably greater height than width, and that the piezo-resistive elements are arranged on the outside of the measuring element in connection with the width of the cavity.

[0006] In a preferred embodiment, the height of the central cavity is at least of the magnitude five times the width. The central cavity may comprise two single canals running in the longitudinal direction of the measuring element and which are arranged side by side. The cavity is constituted by an upper part and a lower part, where the upper and the lower parts are complementary. The cavity may also be constituted of two parts providing a cross section with effectively three layers. The three layers constitute an upper part, a lower part and a central part, where the upper and lower parts are complementary, and the central part is inserted to increase the height of the cavity in relation to the width. The cavity may also in another embodiment be constituted of parts creating a cross section with effectively four layers.

[0007] In a further embodiment the upper and the lower parts are identical in at least as concerns the cross sectional form and the cavity is created by RIE in those parts of the surface facing the other part. The outer cross section form of the measuring element may example given be hexagonal, octagonal or decagonal and symmetrical about two longitudinal planes, but alternatively it can also be shaped as a hexagonal and be symmetrical about two longitudinal planes. Two of the parts constituting the measuring element may also be identical in at least as concerns the cross-sectional shape. The parts of the measuring element may be joined by anodic bonding, or by so-called direct-bonding. The pressure gauge can be designed for measuring full scale pressure in the range 0.5-100 bar.

[0008] The pressure gauge according to the invention is stated in the appended patent claims.

[0009] The sensor provides large and robust signals which results in that it can be connected to cheaper and simpler electronics. It will also have a considerably less area and thereby be cheaper to produce.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0010] The invention shall now in the following be further explained in the form of different example embodiments shown in the drawings, where:

[0011]FIG. 1 represents prior art and shows in perspective an embodiment of a pressure gauge (measuring element) mounted in a holder;

[0012]FIG. 2A shows an enlarged cross section of the main part of the measuring element in FIG. 1;

[0013]FIG. 2B shows in an enlarged cross section a support part of the measuring element in FIG. 1, close to said holder;

[0014]FIG. 3 shows in a corresponding cross section as in FIGS. 2A and 2B, a variant of the cross section form of the measuring element, that is the cross section of the cavity;

[0015]FIG. 4 shows an enlarged cross section of the main part of the measuring element according an embodiment of the invention designed for measuring low pressures;

[0016]FIG. 5 shows an enlarged cross section of the main part of the measuring element according to a further embodiment of the invention designed for measuring high pressures; and

[0017]FIG. 6-8 show variants of a cross section shape according to the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0018]FIG. 1 shows the closest prior art and shows an example embodiment of the sensor in NO 304 328. An extended measuring element 1 is constituted by two parts 1A and 1B which are identical and which together create an internal cavity 3 between two end walls 3A and 3B. The cavity 3 does not distend completely out to the ends of the main part of the measuring element 1, which is here shown with an octagonal cross section.

[0019] A surface 5 of the measuring element is provided with sensor organs 11, 12, 13 and 14, which through a number of conductors 15 are connected with external electronics or measuring circuits. The sensor organs 11, 12, 13 and 14 have form of in themselves known piezo-resistive elements which preferably are arranged in a bridge connection. The sensor is sensitive to changes in the mechanical state of tension of the measuring element or deformation when it is exposed to varying pressure difference between the surroundings and the internal cavity 3.

[0020] At its internal end the octagonal main part 1 of the measuring element verges into a support part 2 having a quadratic external cross section profile, aiming at interacting with a mounting piece 18 in which the whole measuring element is mounted. The mounting piece 18 has accordingly a throughgoing hole 19, which is preferably circular, and which is adapted to a bushing part 7 on the measuring element. The part 7 has advantageously the same external cross section profile as the main part 1. The support part 2 serves to give a safe anchoring of the measuring element against the mounting piece 18, which has particular interest when the measuring element is exposed to very high external pressures. Such pressures will seek to press the measuring element 1 in axial direction into the hole 19, but the outranging corners 2A, 2B, 2C and 2D (see also FIG. 2A) will effectively block against displacement of the measuring element during such pressure influence. Through the hole 19 the bushing part 7 may be further fixed by using appropriate glue filling out the space between the octagonal cross section and the circular hole 19.

[0021]FIGS. 2A, 2B and 3 show in more detail different embodiments of the cross section of the known measuring element in FIG. 1. The two parts 1A and 1B are joined in the plane marked with 8. The four corners 2A, 2B, 2C and 2D in FIG. 1A serve to anchor against the holder 18. The quadratic external cross section profile on FIG. 2B corresponds to the cross section in the support part 2, but the internal cavity 3 does not really exist in the support part 2 when absolute pressure measurement is concerned, i.e. with a closed cavity 3 between end walls 3A and 3B as in FIG. 1. In that respect FIG. 2B may be regarded illustrative of an alternative main form of the effective length of a measuring element 1, where the cavity 3 may have the same cross section form as in FIGS. 2A and 1. It is thus favourable to design the cavity 3 in the known measuring element with a rhombic cross section having two corners located in the joining plane 8 between the two parts 1A and 1B.

[0022]FIG. 3 shows a variant where the outer cross section contour of the measuring element 31 is the same as in FIG. 2A, that is octagonal, whereas the inner cavity 3 has a hexagonal cross section profile. This is like the cavities 3, having a rhombic shape, well suited for manufacture in planar techniques, particularly by etching. In addition to a quadratic and octagonal outer cross section contour, the known measuring element may be produced with a polygonal external cross section profile in other variants, like a hexagonal cross section.

[0023] The known pressure gauge described above is however particularly adapted to high pressures.

[0024] The present invention represents a further development of the pressure gauge described in the Norwegian Patent NO 304 328, and which is described above. The pressure gauge according to the invention may be used in lower pressure ranges, that is in the area 0.5 -100 bar. The invention consists mainly in a change of the geometry of the cavity's cross section, to a cavity which in cross section has essentially a greater height than width. Embodiments of the invention will now be described.

[0025]FIG. 4 shows a first embodiment of the cavity in the measuring element according to the invention. The cavity has a rectangular cross section form, but with essentially a greater height than width. The measuring element is constructed by two parts 100A and 100B which are identical and which together form the inner cavity 103. The external form of the measuring element is in the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, polygonal. The surface 105 extends beyond the elongated side walls defining the height of the measuring element. This construction provides space for the sensor organs on the outside of the measuring element as in the known embodiment in FIG. 1. The minimum outer width of the measuring elements may be about 100 μm to be able to get enough space to be able to locate conductors 15. Here, it is also used piezo-electrical elements in bridge connection as sensor organs as in the known embodiment in FIG. 1. A typical size of the cavity will in accordance with the present invention be a height of 4-6 mm and a width of 200 μm, but the width may be reduced to for example 100 μm. The height should at least be five times the width of the cavity to be able to achieve the desired effect. The side walls in this modified cavity will, when the measuring element is exposed to pressure influence, be forced inwards. This brings about that the outer surfaces of the two ends will cause considerably influence on the sensor organs 15 arranged on the outside of the measuring element on these end surfaces. The measuring element according to the invention is however still essentially longer than its width, and the length may be in the magnitude 100 times the width. As mentioned the width is determined to a great extent by the sensor organs which shall be arranged on the outside of the measuring element. If piezo-resistive elements are used as sensor organs, a typical magnitude of the signals in the pressure range 0.5-100 bar would be about 40 mV/Vbar. This is an essential greater signal than what can be achieved with the known embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-3, which has a maximum of 1 mV/Vbar. The mounting of the measuring element may example given be performed as shown in FIG. 1 for the known sensor designed for very high pressures.

[0026] In FIG. 5 it is shown another embodiment of the cavity especially for measuring higher pressures. Here is the relationship between the height and width reduced in relation to the embodiment shown in FIG. 4.

[0027]FIGS. 6 and 7 show alternative embodiments of the present invention. In FIG. 6 the height is increased by inserting a third intermediate part 100C between the two main parts 100A and 100B. Such an intermediate part may also be inserted in the known embodiment shown in FIGS. 1, 2A, 2B and 3 to achieve a considerably greater height than width. This embodiment is shown in FIG. 8. Here it is achieved an hexagonal inner cavity 203, while the outer geometrical form becomes octagonal.

[0028]FIG. 7 shows another alternative embodiment of the present invention where it is included an intermediate part to increase the height of the cavity 103 in relation to the width of the measuring element. Here, the side walls of the intermediate part are thinner than the side walls of the upper and lower parts, but the inner shape of the cavity is rectangular. The outer geometrical form of the measuring element is bihexagonal. The height may be further increased by further intermediates inserted in between the upper 100B and lover 100A parts. The cross section of the measuring element will then be constituted by at least four layers.

[0029] In an alternative embodiment the cavity 103 may be equipped with an internal partition for creation of two cavities. The two cavities form two single canals which run side by side in the longitudinal direction of the measuring element. The height of the cavities must be considerably greater than the sum of the width of the two cavities.

[0030] The well shaped, deep cavity in the present invention can be produced by the use of reactive ion-etching (RIE). This is a complexed technique where it is first etched well-formed depressions in the element, and then coated with a protective film. This protective film is removed by physical etching on selected locations and the cavity may thus be made deeper. RIE is a known technique which makes it possible to etch a recess in a planar element where the depths are considerably greater than the width.

[0031] Based on planar technique the at least two parts constituting the measuring element may be joined as mentioned by for example use of anodic bonding or so-called direct bonding (fusion bonding). The parts can also be joined by use of suitable glue.

[0032] The width of the measuring element is decided as mentioned by conductors and wiring points which must have space on the outside of the narrow upper end surfaces of the element. This provides a lower limit for how narrow the measuring element may be, and this limit is with todays technology about 100 μm.

[0033] In connection with mounting, packing and encapsulation of the measuring element, it is clear that this element may be provided with a protecting film on the surface, example given at Si₃N₄ possibly polyamide plastic, in such a way that the measuring element may be exposed directly for the actual pressure medium.

[0034] Several other modifications and variants are also possible within the frame of the invention, perhaps especially connected to the wish of achieving rational and economical production processes. Example given the parts of the measuring element in themselves may consist of a complex structure containing layers of different material types. Further, a possible modification may consist in that the sensor organs can be arranged on more than one surface of the measuring element, example given on two oppositely directed main surfaces. 

1. Pressure gauge preferably arranged to function on the outside of a measuring element, the measuring element having a central cavity running in the longitudinal direction of the measuring element and being constituted by at least two parts, manufactured in planar technique and preferably of silicon or quarts, and which are tightly joined for creation of the cavity, and comprising sensor devices in the form of piezo-resistive elements for the mechanical state of stress of the measuring element under pressure influence, characterized in that the central cavity has a considerably greater height than width.
 2. Pressure gauge according to claim 1, characterized in that the height of the central cavity is at least of the magnitude five times the width.
 4. Pressure gauge according to claim 1, characterized in that the central cavity comprises two single canals running in the longitudinal direction of the measuring element and which are arranged side by side.
 5. Pressure gauge according to claim 1, characterized in that the cavity is constituted by an upper part and a lower part, where the upper and lower parts are complementary.
 6. Pressure gauge according to claim 1, characterized in that the cavity is composed of parts creating a cross section with effectively three layers.
 7. Pressure gauge according to claim 6, characterized in that the three layers are constituted by an upper part, a lower part and an intermediate part, where the upper and lower parts are complementary, and the intermediate part is inserted to increase the height of the cavity in relation to the width.
 8. Pressure gauge according to claim 1, characterized in that the cavity is composed of parts creating a cross section with effectively four layers.
 9. Pressure gauge according to claim 5 or 7, characterized in that the upper and lower parts are identical in at least as concerns the cross section profile and that the cavity is created by RIE in the parts from the surface facing the other part.
 10. Pressure gauge according to claim 1, characterized in that the external cross section shape of the measuring element is hexagonal, octagonal or decagonal and symmetrical about two longitudinal planes.
 11. Pressure gauge according to claim 1, characterized in that the cross section of the cavity is rectangular and symmetrical about two longitudinal planes.
 12. Pressure gauge according to claim 1, characterized in that the cross section of the cavity is hexagonal and symmetrical about two longitudinal planes.
 13. Pressure gauge according to claim 1, characterized in that two of the parts constituting the measuring element are identical in at least as concerns the cross section shape.
 14. Pressure gauge according to claim 1, characterized in that the parts of the measuring element are joined by anodic bonding or by so-called direct bonding.
 15. Pressure gauge according to claim 1, characterized in that it is arranged to measurement of full-scale pressures in the range 0.5-100 bar. 